Farthest From has been a staple of the convention calendar for over a decade, and as the 25th live running of the event got underway, Paul Naylor, Jonathan Hipkiss, Richard Mitchell and Mark Newbold headed to Fordingbridge for a show which featured special guests Barry Gingell and Pablo Hidalgo.
Paul Naylor
Long before the Star Wars sequels became as synonymous with December as a crisp Christmas morn, the sleepy town of Fordingbridge established itself as a mainstay for fans of a galaxy far, far away on the festive calendar. Nestled in Hampshire’s New Forest, The Town Hall of Fordingbridge was once again the place to be to buy a treat for a friend or loved one – oh let’s be honest, purchase something for yourself. On December 9th and 10th, toy collectors, fans and enthusiasts enjoyed a full Star Wars Weekend Event raising funds for the Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal.
I was due to travel to the event on Friday night with one of Fantha’s latest recruits, up and coming stand-up comedian Jonathan Hipkiss, and the ever-dependable co-front man for Fantha Tracks, Mark Newbold. Due to an administrative cock-up, Mark travelled on his own and Jon and I joined him the following day (me having forgotten a Charlatans gig booked at Wolverhampton Civic Hall and Jon having a comedy gig to perform at). It turned out to be just as well.
DAY ONE – SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER – STAR WARS FAMILY FUN DAY
Paul Naylor
Saturday was the usual family fun day, with themed games to entertain the kids and plenty of opportunities to buy Star Wars merch for the big kids. Jon and me turned up just as things were kicking off and met up with Mr Newbold and our old mate Richard Mitchell to bring the Fantha team to a full-powered Fantastic Four.
On that day, punters had the opportunity to meet Lucasfilm legend Pablo Hidalgo, who was in town signing his latest visual dictionary – this one being dedicated to a time in the canon rather than a specific film/TV show. Pablo was also inducted into the Elstree Base of the Rebel Legion that morning.
Barry Gingell, who appeared in Andor as Anto Kreegyr, was signing photographs and sharing stories of his time as a bit-part in that series but also from a production aspect, in his capacity of graphic designer. Generation Skywalker and Luke Coffey-Bainbridge from action figure up-cyclers ‘No More Heroes’ added to the fun.
The day was a great success, despite howling wind and buckets of rain attempting to derail the event, a downfall narrowly avoided as Dave Tree was inducted as a Friend of Elstree Base by Making Tracks co-host and Rebel Legion UK CO Mark Mulcaster..
Daytime activities done and it the town hall was transformed into a dining hall for the ever-popular Christmas meal, featuring great food and fascinating talks from Pablo and Barry. This year it was also notable for finishing off one of the Fantha team, as Mark succumbed to illness and scurried off to bed prior to his pudding.
Generation Skywalker hosted a quiz (in which Fantha came second, behind none other than to Pablo himself) and interviewed guests. The evening was rounded off with room sales, which made for a cracking night, with another full day of Star Wars shenanigans yet to come.
DAY TWO – SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER – FARTHEST FROM VINTAGE SHOW
Jonathan Hipkiss
The second day at the ‘Farthest From’ event on the Sunday was a full on day for the Fantha Tracks team. We were a little tired after a brilliant first night as Richard, Paul and I had also attended the first ever ‘room sales’ event at the town hall which lasted well after midnight. After helping to set up a few things in the retro show toy hall, we were left to our own devices where we perused the stalls and made a few purchases. I picked some bargains such a vintage Hoth Leia, a bootleg ‘Star World’ carry case from 1979 and aside from vintage, I managed to find at a bargain price some Episode IX crew gifts and gift bag for my collection.
Paul Naylor
Sunday is vintage day. Stallholders were there with items predominantly from 1977-1985. All your favourite action figures were available, many carded, and as ever there were a few things I’d never seen before, most notably some rather nifty themed ice skates.
With Mark well and truly out of order, we decided to pack him off home, turning the Fantastic Four into Fun Boy Three. Jon, Rich and me soldiered on.
Jonathan Hipkiss
There was lots on offer and the bad weather didn’t dampen any spirits but it was time to get to work as Richard helped man one of the booths while Paul Naylor and myself headed upstairs for a chat with ‘Andor‘ graphic designer Barry Gingell (with whom we’d also shared a delightful breakfast with a few hours before) Barry was on fine form and proved to give some fascinating insights into the production of the show of which he is there at pretty much every stage.
Paul Naylor
First on the agenda for interviewing was Barry Gingell. As a graphic designer, Barry has worked for many hit British TV Series, from Misfits and Humans to Pennyworth and Andor. On Andor he is the Lead Graphic Designer, helping in all aspects of set design and aesthetics through the entire series. Creating concepts, then translating to screen, bringing to life the world of Andor and giving it that unique feel. Barry also appeared on screen as the hologram of Anto Kreegyr, the ill-fated Rebel cell leader, in the episode “Daughter of Ferrix“. It was a rare opportunity to talk with a member of the production team behind one of the most critically acclaimed Star Wars productions. A fascinating guy who got to make a cameo and contribute to the look and feel of arguably my favourite Disney streaming show thus far.
Jonathan Hipkiss
There wasn’t much time to rest after our interview as the second panel of the day was being prepared which was a look into the production of the ‘No More Heroes’ line with Luke and Dave. I headed back downstairs quickly to see if there were any bounties I’d missed the first time and indeed there was. Stuart at Generation Skywalker did me a cracking deal on some vintage mask and costume sets from ’79 as well an ‘Empire‘ notebook that once belonged to Gary Kurtz himself.
Paul Naylor
Later that day Luke Coffey-Bainbridge was joined by Fordingbridge’s very own Dave Tree to present a round-up of ‘No More Heroes’ – their joint venture that upcycles Star Wars figures with great results. The mastermind behind Farthest From, Dave – who owns All The Cool Stuff, opposite the town hall – led the chat and with Luke’s assistance explained the ambition of the project.
Jonathan Hipkiss
Paul and I put our heads together after lunch as we were to be sitting down for an exclusive in-person chat with Lucasfilm legend himself; Mr Pablo Hidalgo. With Mark sadly unable to host due to illness, I joked with the audience that they’d been left with the Chuckle brothers. The audience in attendance were treated to some exclusive stories ranging from in-jokes during the production of ‘The Force Awakens‘ made by J.J himself, the making of his new book – ‘Dawn of Rebellion’ and where the Star Wars galaxy is heading in 2024 and beyond. It felt like a special but tiring afternoon and there was quickly time for one last auction before everyone started to pack up and make the trip home. A brilliant time all round.
Paul Naylor
Fantha Tracks’ duties culminated in a for-the-room-only interview with Pablo. It was a privilege for Jon Hipkiss and myself to chat with such a knowledgeable member of Lucasfilm. Those in attendance were also able to ask their own questions.
It was a fab weekend, with just the right amount of Mark Newbold (Tee hee hee) and plenty of Star Wars. Fordingbridge you did us proud, see you at the next one.
You’ll be able to hear Paul and Jon chat with Barry on a forthcoming episode of Making Tracks, but before then you can listen to episode 180 of Making Tracks, recorded upstairs on the Saturday of Family Fun Day.
We’ll leave the final word to Pablo himself, who finished his thread on Farthest From by putting into words how many of us feel about this very special show.
https://twitter.com/pabl0hidalgo/status/1734147007739007408
- Hardcover Book
- Richau, Amy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 200 Pages - 12/05/2023 (Publication Date) - DK Children (Publisher)
